Washington, D.C. CVS stores remove locked merchandise cases

CVS stores in Washington, D.C. have begun removing theft-prevention barriers from merchandise, such as candy and toilet paper, following a reported decline in local crime rates. This shift follows a law enforcement surge attributed to President Trump’s crime crackdown.

Data from the Metropolitan Police indicates significant decreases in several crime categories: homicides have fallen by 30%, assaults with dangerous weapons by 42%, and robberies by 7%. Additionally, motor vehicle thefts have dropped by 45%, thefts from automobiles by 20%, and other thefts by 10%.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported a 67% increase in prosecutions in the D.C. Superior Court as a result of the increased law enforcement activity. Previously, CVS had implemented locked display cases for various items to combat chronic shoplifting in certain areas of the city.